Wednesday, 7 May 2014

Royalty for Sarawak and Sabah... Just Do It.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly has unanimously voted in favour of a resolution to request the Federal Government for an increase in the oil royalty from 5% to 20%. - TheStar

This latest move from Sarawak could be long overdue for some but we ought to be happy that it is finally, officially on the table. This is something the people of Sarawak deserve as equal partners in the Federation called Malaysia.

The question of increasing petroleum royalty for Sarawak and Sabah could be sensitive to some but the real issue has always been about the method/means of allocation.

Both Sarawak and Sabah have certainly been allocated funds worth many times more than the 5% royalty amount, but this latest push for up to 20% royalty is certainly not baseless. Its a matter which should have been inked a long-time ago, at least that is what the agreement of 1963 spelled out about the 'review'.

Well, I fully support this request from Sarawak and would propose that the Federal Government extend a similar quantum to Sabah, even in the absence of any outwardly pressure from Chief Minister Musa Aman's leadership.

It would certainly be better to take care and render the necessary respect and appreciation for our fellow citizens who haven proven their loyalty to this nation beyond any doubt. On top of it all, the people of Sarawak and Sabah have shown their 'counterparts' in the Peninsula what gratitude is all about.

They know how to thank you without crying out aloud or holding 'I love PM' banners at gatherings.

On the contrary, PKR-led Selangor continues to blame the Federal Govt despite billions of RM in allocations/projects (including Langat 2). I don't have to tell you what kind of negative vibe runs in the mind of the guy who dictates everything in Penang.

Some among those who were bigger beneficiaries during the pre and post-election rounds have proven to be not trustworthy. They take the money and spit venom on a daily basis.

So, 20% royalty for Sarawak and Sabah is not a bad idea at all. After all they deserve it. Its their right.

Dear Prime Minister, it's certainly time for you to show your gratitude to the loyal people of Sarawak and Sabah.